The 10 Safest Vehicles to Buy in Canada in 2019

April 27, 2019 Auto News

Gas-efficiency, styling and comfort are all factors many people look for when deciding what model of vehicle to purchase. But safety is that crucial component almost all of us consider when it comes to finding the safest vehicles to buy in Canada. We all want to feel secure and safe on the road if the unexpected happens, right?

Every year, the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) rolls out the results for which vehicles have passed their safety tests. Each vehicle is evaluated based on two aspects of safety: crashworthiness — how well a vehicle protects its occupants in a crash — and crash avoidance and mitigation — technology that can prevent a collision or lessen its severity.

Over 68 models made the 2019 Top Safety Picks list with Hyundai, Kia and Subaru leading the pack for the most Top Safety awards.

We narrowed down the list based on which models Canadians are purchasing as well as what models we carry in our inventory here at Birchwood Credit Solutions.
These are the vehicles that made our list for Safest Vehicles to Buy in Canada:

Kia Forte
Toyota Camry
Honda Accord
Honda CR-V
Hyundai Santa Fe
Honda Odyssey
Honda Ridgeline
Nissan Altima
Chrysler Pacifica
Kia Optima

Kia Forte

The IIHS rated this model as superior for front crash prevention. Plus, its headlights are explicitly designed for crash prevention and to notify other drivers of oncoming traffic when night-time driving.

Toyota Camry

With an overall five-star rating in every single test area, the Camry is a safe option for both driver and passenger. A host of safety features and technology ensure it’s as safe as possible when you get behind the wheel.

Honda Accord

After a full redesign in 2018, the 2019 model still stacks up and is equipped with advanced safety driver aids that come standard with every vehicle. Its extra child seat latches score top points with the IIHS, making it a perfect family vehicle.

Honda CR-V

If you’re looking for a vehicle with the most advanced active safety and driver assistance technology available, look no further. Though these features do usually come at a cost, they’re worth the price based on the top rating the IIHS gave it.

Hyundai Santa Fe

Another “must shop” crossover for families, the Santa Fe’s blind-spot monitor and rear-cross traffic alert are why it makes our top list. Not to mention, it has adaptive headlights that both swivel and automatically dim to notify oncoming vehicles.

Honda Odyssey

The Odyssey’s redesign is better than ever! Even the lowest-priced model comes with a standard driver assistance technology, including Lane Keeping Assistance, Adaptive Cruise Control and Collision Mitigation Braking.

Honda Ridgeline

As one of the only pick-up trucks to make our list, the Ridgeline beats out most competitors in the truck category when it comes to safety. Crash tests found not only are passengers and drivers well protected from injury, but the truck’s body is built like a crossover, making it less rigid.

Nissan Altima

With a 5-star rating for crash prevention and headlights specific for highway driving, Nissan has designed a vehicle with safety in mind. The Altima is slightly lower on our list since most of its safety features are add-ons, however still an excellent pick for a mid-sized vehicle.

Chrysler Pacifica

The Chrysler Pacifica gets a “superior” rating from IIHS on its 2019 model’s front crash prevention for its collision warning plus and Advanced SafetyTec features. It got overall good ratings for many of the categories IIHS measures, but with some “acceptable” scores and some safety features being added-on extras, we’ve put it lower on our list.

Kia Optima

Scoring high across the board with IIHS, the Optima gets a five-star rating for its Forward Collision-Avoidance Assist and Lane Keeping Assist features which come standard on all 2019 models.

At Birchwood Credit Solutions, we encourage our customers to find their freedom by driving the vehicle that fits their lifestyle. Check out our extensive inventory selection to find the perfect vehicle for you.

Written by

Rebecca Lake